Abu Dhabi Airports Traffic Numbers Rise

Al Bateen Executive Airport (Stand C600) handled nearly 100 private aircraft movements during the recent Ethiad Airways Formula 1 Grand Prix in mid-November. While the peak traffic days were November 13 and 14 overall traffic increased 17 percent when compared with the number of aircraft handled during the 2009 race. Aircraft as large as a VIP Boeing 757 landed at Al Bateen, a former military airbase.

The main Abu Dhabi International Airport recorded a 16-percent increase in traffic the week before the race. The Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC)-of which Al Bateen is a part-called the trend "a clear indication of the strong international attention this event attracts and its success in bringing visitors to the Emirate."

According to ADAC CEO James Bennett, the company "had a very exciting week offering its award-winning services to all the F1 guests." The company also said the numbers reflected an increased number of flight frequencies and destinations to Abu Dhabi since the same time last year.